tracy0504
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Posts posted by tracy0504
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On 9/21/2023 at 8:24 AM, Kanyon71 said:
It’s not the destination that’s weird to me as we have gone to stay with family in other states. It’s the thought of not having family around as it’s been that way my whole life. I know people do it all the time and to be honest one of these years it might be a less stressful day.
I get it… I used to be like that as well and couldn’t fathom not spending every holiday with family… last year I spent last Christmas alone for the first time ever due to the massive snow storm we had that snowed most of my loved ones in… I took my time and made my Christmas dinner and ate it while watching Christmas movies… my children couldn’t get to me for another couple of days, but we spent time together then… I can honestly say it was less stressful as I was the only one I had to get dinner ready for so I could take my time and not worry that everyone was hungry and waiting on me
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It’s hard to say because I’m not sure what the adult kids gifts will be this year… I know they don’t expect much, but I’m a giver so not giving anything at Christmas feels off to me… throws and candles usually go over well for the girls, but the boys are a little harder… I’m hoping to spend less this year…
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1 hour ago, dantegirl said:
Gift cards, xbox cards and shorts for my 15yo who refuses to wear pants!
I might look for yarn if I can get a good deal. I learned how to crochet and am loving it! Very therapeutic.
I was just thinking about I need to get yarn to start crocheting Christmas gifts... Joann Fabrics usually has deals throughout the season and most definitely BF... and yes, it is very therapeutic, my mom taught me when I was like 5/6...
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Money being spent
Shoppers scattered here and there
Best time of the year
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7 hours ago, Bopeep said:
I definitely plan on getting a new pair of AirPods this year, and a bottom loading water dispenser.
If I see a good enough deal on one, I'd like a nugget ice maker. But I have an ice maker that works great, so I can live without Sonic ice :).
I'll also be looking for quality socket and screwdriver sets and Christmas PJs for the family to wear for our ride on the Polar Express.
Oooooh Sonic ice would be nice… and I want a new ice maker!!!!
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TV and new tablet for the 6 y/o grand… that’s about it so far…
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1 hour ago, Hubbalance said:
Yesss!!! I don't watch them all either - only the ones that really appeal to me. Just no time to watch them all (I still have a cupule from last year and the July ones to watch!) and my husband doesn't like them so I try to watch when he isn't around. I can't wait to see the one with Scott Wolf and Lacey Chabert!
Yes, I'm looking forward to the reunion between Lacy and Scott...
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Received mine - thanks Brad!
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On 9/21/2023 at 10:51 AM, Kanyon71 said:
I had to laugh yesterday when I was listening to the radio and they started talking about the new Hallmark Christmas movies. One of the ladies was talking about the plot of this one and the male host says wait a minute, let me tell you the plot of every one of their holiday movies. He goes on to say Man/Woman moves to or has to visit town during holiday season, meets other person and hates them. Then after a short time starts to fall for them and ends up with them by the end of the movie. I thought that was pretty correct yet still pretty funny. He said just like many people his wife and him still watch them though.
Accurate
I find that I don't watch like I used to as the plots are typically the same... I remember some of the movies that they no longer show on any of the Hallmark Channels that were good with different storylines... I feel like not every movie has to be boy meets girl, they hate each other and then fall in love by the end of the movie... there are so many scenario's that could be played out and have a happy Christmas ending and still give us all the feels of the season...
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2 hours ago, rwking75 said:
Will let you know. It's on Royal Caribbean which we are NOT thrilled about but we didn't make the plans. We usually only cruise on Disney but couldn't convince the rest of the family to cruise with the rodent.
Regardless on how this cruise works out, Holiday 2024 is what we're looking forward to. We have 1 of 2 options, we already booked for a TG cruise on Disney but that is up in the air as that my sis-in-law is currently in her last tour and stationed in Germany and has invited us to stay the Xmas holiday with her and her family to enjoy the Xmas markets and vacation spots there. Can't do both, so it'll be 1 or the other.
Soooo not that I have a say in the vacay, but if Disney is something you usually do, I think I would definitely opt for the Germany trip... but that's just me and I'm sure there are other factors to consider (expenses, time away, passports, your love for Disney etc...) otherwise this would be an easier decision for you...
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On 9/17/2023 at 3:31 PM, Gator Pam said:
I’m starting the thread a little late this year, but so far I only did some baking for the second night of Rosh HaShannah.
I tried a new challah dough recipe, which was very good. I also tried a new shape for the crown challah, which can use some improvement, but I think I know what I’ll do next year and updated my recipe accordingly.
To make the crown challah, start with a standard 5-strand braid shaped loaf.
Taking three smaller strands, make a small 3-strand braided loaf.
I find starting in the middle and then flipping the braid over to braid the other side turns out prettier.
Taper the ends of the mini loaf and even out the middle.
Keeping the mini loaf flat, roll it upon itself…
…to generate this pretty rosette.
The rosette is supposed to go along the side of the 5-strand loaf in the middle and then curve the larger loaf around it. But I had extra dough, so I made two rosettes and wound up with an oval.
Allow to rise covered for 45 minutes.
Brush with an egg wash and add desired toppings. Our household has folks who like toppings and others who don’t, so I made half with and without toppings.
Fresh out of the oven.
Next time I’m going to make two smaller loaves, and bake them in round foil pans, so they don’t spread as much.
The Apple Honey Upside Down Cake fresh out of the oven.
It is so pretty…
The cake calls for baking in a 9” round pan, but I prefer a taller cake so I made the full recipe and baked it in my 8”X3” round push pan, using the longer time of 70 minutes per the recipe. It came out lovely and tall with a tender crumb.
The recipe calls for serving warm with whipped cream and a drizzle of additional honey. I found a slightly warm slice without the additions to be just fine.
A question for those who experiment more with baking recipes than I do. The apple honey cake uses 3/4 of a cup of buttermilk, making it dairy by kosher standards. It uses butter as well. I have no problem with that, as I don’t keep kosher. However, most honey cake I had in the past is parve, so it could be served with either meat or dairy.
If someone wants to make the recipe, I don’t suggest changing it as it is wonderful as is. However, I’m finding I’m missing the bitterness of the coffee in the cake. Do you think I can reduce the buttermilk to a half a cup, and replace the quarter cup with cooled brewed espresso? Or would that change the flavor profile [i]too[/i] much?
So a couple things... first, this sounds and looks tasty
... 2nd, buttermilk is used to add a tanginess to the cake, but more importantly it activates the baking soda a cake may call for (you know to help it rise)... so I'm not sure how reducing the amount of buttermilk would affect the rising of the cake... you may want to make a more concentrated espresso without changing the amount of water...
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2 hours ago, freesia39 said:
First set of deals:
- Spend $50 on toys and save $10, or spend $100 on toys and save $25
- Spend $50 on household essentials, receive a $15 Target gift card
- Spend $25 on select beauty brands, receive a $5 Target gift card
- Up to 40% off kitchen items
- Up to 40% off floor care items
- 30% off women's sweaters, denim, jewelry, accessories and shoes
- 30% off select Halloween costumes and accessories
- 20% off bedding and bath items
- 20% off select diapers and wipes
- 20% off select grocery including cereal, granola and coffee
- 20% select books and movies
- Save $70 on Beats headphones (sale $129.99, reg. $199.99)
If I don't do any other deal, I usually do the toy deal every year...
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On 9/23/2023 at 7:28 AM, Brad said:
Prize club prizes have been shipped
They were shipped first class mail and after reading the very confusing USPS guidelines I'm still not 100% sure if the packages qualify for that level of service or if I was supposed to pay 3x the cost for a higher level so if any of you get a package with postage due and you want me to reimburse you, just send me a PM. Hopefully it's not an issue.
Thanks for the heads up! I will be on the look out...
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On 9/20/2023 at 8:57 PM, packratfamily said:
I still miss Borders.
And Kmart.
- good thing I stocked up on clothes 
At least there still is Barnes and Noble.
I miss Borders and Kmart as well... they were the best during BF...
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So glad I waited to purchase my g'son's new tablet... they have the new 2023 version being released on 10/18... I can pre-order, but I think I'll wait to see if by chance they take a little bit off the price during their deal days, currently it's &189.99...
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Yessss!!!! Been waiting for this post!!!!
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On 9/13/2023 at 9:46 AM, Kanyon71 said:
We have thought about doing either a TG or Christmas cruise. Now that our daughter is getting into our teens it might be a little easier to do Christmas since we wouldn't have to worry about presents and such. Let me know what you think of it and if it's just weird not being somewhere to celebrate the holiday.
Holiday destinations are not weird!!!! Whatever you decide I'm sure you and your family will enjoy it!
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On 9/15/2023 at 12:13 PM, cllehto said:
Black Friday has changed a lot. Not as exciting on Black Friday itself with all the sales leading up to it.
I agree, it's just not as exciting anymore and the actual BF sales have been kind of lackluster over the past couple of years...
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I like the deal of the day and I probably will check for that every day just to see what they are offering. This is how they get people like me to careen off their list of carefully thought of items and strict budgets
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I'm feeling really nostalgic this year and wishing Walmart would go back to their original holiday shopping plans (also wishing certain stores were still open)... BF over the course of three days, Friday - Sunday... yes, it's less crowded they way they do it now, but I miss the rush and hustle and bustle of the season and Walmart definitely set the tone for me every year when my kids were little... hopefully they will skip being open on Thanksgiving again this year at least...I'm ok with Amazon having their early deal days because they've been doing it forever, but I'll probably forego Walmart's October sales...
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I'm really being strict on my shopping this year so I'll mostly be shopping for my 6 y/o grandson... his mother and father want to get him a Switch for home and an Xbox (my son's favorite system) for my place... they're on their own with those, lol... I will supply the games and upgrade his Fire tablet this year and the one I'm looking at is currently 30% off at $139.99 ($199.99 originally), not sure if I'll get a better deal than that if I wait...
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First, it's never too early to start thinking about Thanksgiving plans... it's almost the middle of September and I already feel behind... I usually make my own dinner and then take a dish/dessert for the potluck dinner with family...nothing is finalized for me but I know I will be making the following at home for sure:
*Turkey or Cornish Hens... haven't quite made up my mind about this... usually do Turkey, but now that the kids are out of the house not sure I want to fool with a 12-14 pound bird anymore
*Collard greens
*Sweet potato casserole - two different kinds
*Potato salad
*Mac and Cheese
*Dressing
*Homemade Cranberry Sauce
*Corn bread
*Pound cake - not sure what flavor yet
*Apple crisp or pie - maybe
Cheesecake - possibly
*Sweet Potato Pie
**Ham may be on the menu, not sure yet
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Wow, so much has changed in 20 years...
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What's something you buy or rebuy every Black Friday?
in 2023
Posted
I still have Kohl's throws from last year still in the plastic, but I'm pretty sure I'll see a new design this year that I just have to have, lol... I have a DVD player, but I really want a new one this year (if the price is right)... Candles!! I am back into lighting a candle everyday when I get home from work, it really helps with relaxing and I usually get the deals from BBW, Target, Kohl's and Goose Creek (a new one I discovered last year and their candles smell soooo good and they have Klarna
)... of course I need new Rubbermaid containers from Wally World, my Poinsettias and from Lowe's and Home Depot and maybe some batteries this year... PJs are always on my list as well...